Integrated storage, organization, and display unit

ABSTRACT

A thermoformed storage and display unit comprised of a platform base and detachable lid. The base and lid are made of thermoformed plastic and can display items in upright position for easy access, with the lid preferably formed from plastic possessing sufficient transparency to permit the viewing of stored materials even when the lid is fitted over the base. The unit also possesses a generally rectangular in geometry with angled (5°) slots for display. The slots may further include protrusions for better holding and supporting the items being displayed.

RELATED APPLICATIONS AND FIELD OF INVENTION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/379,459, filed on Aug. 25, 2016 and incorporated by reference herein.

The present disclosure generally relates to a storage and display unit and, more particularly, to an integrally formed display unit having a lid and a plurality of slots for retaining and displaying badges, cards, and the like.

BACKGROUND

Various organizers are known to incorporate trays and lids for conveniently storing, displaying, and transporting items such as cards, name tags, and other printed, planar materials, and especially such items made from thin, flexible, thermoformed plastics. As seen in United States Patent Publication No. 2005/0150797, one such organizer is referred to as a holder, having a platform with multiple receptacles for supporting such items in an upright position. A hinged cover preferably remains attached to the holder, although it may detach from the platform. The receptacles are slotted and preferably formed across the entire length and width of the platform, so as to allow for the display of the items. Each slot may have one or more protrusions for better supporting the items in an upright position for display purposes.

SUMMARY

A thermoformed storage and display unit comprised of a platform base and detachable lid. The base and lid are made of thermoformed plastic and can display items in upright position for easy access, with the lid preferably formed from plastic possessing sufficient transparency to permit the viewing of stored materials even when the lid is fitted over the base. In a further embodiment, the lid serves as a fitted platform upon which the base may rest to allow for stadium-style presentation of a plurality of display units. Each unit also possesses a generally rectangular in geometry with angled slots and a plurality of cooperating protrusions within each slot to allow for easier viewing of the cards, nametags, or other objects held and carried within the display.

In one aspect, the display unit may include any combination of the following features:

-   -   a base unit having a plurality of support walls supporting an         elevated, top surface with a plurality of slots integrally         formed thereon, each slot having a pair of side walls forming a         V-shaped indentation;     -   a cover that removably fits over the base unit;     -   wherein the cover is detachable from the display unit;     -   wherein the cover is selectively snap-fitted along its bottom         edge to the base unit to encase any objects held within any of         the slots;     -   wherein the cover is selectively snap-fitted along its top edge         to the base unit to hold the base unit in an elevated, display         position;     -   wherein each slot includes a plurality of protrusions formed on         one or both side walls;     -   wherein the support walls define an elevated height for the top         surface and wherein each V-shaped indentation has a depth that         is less than the elevated height;     -   wherein all of the side walls in each V-shaped indentation form         an angle, measured relative to an axis orthogonal to the top         surface, that is between 0 and 30 degrees;     -   wherein the protrusions are parallel to the angle;     -   wherein all of the side walls are formed at the same angle;     -   wherein the angle is 5 degrees;     -   wherein the plurality of slots are arranged in a regular matrix;     -   wherein at least one support rib is formed in the base unit         and/or the cover;     -   wherein separate support ribs are formed in both the base unit         and in a top surface of the cover and wherein the support ribs         of the base unit are oriented orthogonally to the support ribs         formed in the cover;     -   wherein a plurality of support ribs are formed in the cover         along a pair of opposing side walls;     -   wherein the plurality of support ribs include two offsetting         sets of ribs;     -   wherein one of the sets of ribs is spaced apart from a bottom         edge of the cover; and     -   wherein at least one of the support ribs has a parabola U-shape.

In another aspect, a transportable arrangement comprising a plurality of storage and display units described above wherein the base unit of a first storage and display unit is fitted onto the cover of a second storage and display unit is contemplated. Similarly, a display arrangement comprising at least one storage and display unit described above wherein the cover of a first storage and display unit is removed and positioned under the base unit of the first storage and display unit in an engaged manner is contemplated. This display arrangement may also comprise a second storage and display unit wherein the cover of a second storage and display unit is removed and the second storage and display unit is positioned adjacent to the first storage and display unit to create a stadium-style display.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Operation of the disclosure may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in connection with the following illustrations. Any numbers or printed indicia on the drawings are hereby incorporated within this written disclosure, and such numbers are indicated in U.S. inches.

FIG. 1 is three dimensional perspective view of one embodiment of the final assembly of the invention in which the cover is fitted over the base.

FIG. 2 is three dimensional perspective view of one embodiment of the underside of the base unit of the invention.

FIG. 3 is three dimensional perspective view of one embodiment of the cover or lid unit of the invention in an inverted position.

FIG. 4A includes top view of one embodiment of the base unit of the invention, including an exploded sectional view of a preferred arrangement for the protrusions.

FIG. 4B shows orthogonal side views of the embodiment of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the base unit shown and described in FIG. 4A.

FIG. 5A includes a top view of one embodiment of the cover of the invention as well as orthogonally oriented side views of that same cover unit, with all views indicating the preferred positioning of grooves and support ribs.

FIG. 5B is a series of three dimensional perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the cover, both as fitted onto the base unit and in a removed and inverted position.

FIG. 6 is a three dimensional perspective view of another embodiment of the final assembly of the invention in which the cover is fitted over the base.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are perspective views of how a plurality of display units according to certain embodiments may be stacked or arranged in a stadium-style configuration for display.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional changes may be made without departing from the respective scope of the invention. As such, the following description is presented by way of illustration only and should not limit in any way the various alternatives and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments and still be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

As used herein, the words “example” and “exemplary” mean an instance, or illustration. The words “example” or “exemplary” do not indicate a key or preferred aspect or embodiment. The word “or” is intended to be inclusive rather an exclusive, unless context suggests otherwise. As an example, the phrase “A employs B or C,” includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs both B and C). As another matter, the articles “a” and “an” are generally intended to mean “one or more” unless context suggest otherwise.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of storage and display unit 10 consisting of base unit 20 and cover or lid unit 30. As seen in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, base unit 20 includes a plurality of slots 22 formed for receiving cards, name tags, and other printed materials having sufficient rigidity to be displayed in an upright (i.e., orthogonal to the base unit, as defined by axis V) or near-vertical (i.e., approximately +/−30 degrees from upright) position. The slots 22 can be regularly formed in one or more rows, with the three rows each having a plurality of aligned slots therein forming a regular matrix on the base 20 (as shown in FIG. 1).

As seen best in FIG. 2, the slots 22 are formed as indentations in the relatively smooth top surface of the base 20. In some embodiments, the slots 22 are identically formed, as V-shaped grooves. The sloping sides of the slot 22 may serve to align the object held in the grown at the aforementioned upright or near-vertical angles. Preferably, one side may be orthogonal to the horizontal surface on the top facing of the base 20, while the other side of the groove forms the near-vertical angle (i.e., greater than 1°, approximately 5°, and less than 30°, with any whole integer or combination of two integers between these upper and lower limits expressly disclosed). The lowermost depression of each slot 22 may include a narrow floor 23 having a surface effectively parallel to the horizontal top surface of the base 20 in which the slot 22 is formed. The open spacing of this narrow floor may mirror the expected thickness of the badge, card, or object expected to be placed in the slots 22.

The inset in FIG. 2 is taken along line A-A to illustrate one possible cross sectional arrangement for each slot 22. Notably, protrusions 24 define a parallel surface for engaging and holding (by way of friction, as one example) an object inserted into the slot. Further, because the protrusions are formed at an angle relative to axis V, the held object (not shown) will be displayed at an angle to improve the visibility of the objects. As described below, a plurality of protrusions on the opposing sidewalls of slot 22 can be employed to secure hold a variety of differently sized objects (although the objects are all expected to have a similar range of thicknesses).

In some embodiments, the depth (i.e., the distance from floor 23 to the top edge defining the opening of the slot) of each slot 22 is similar. In some aspects, the depth of one or groups of slots may vary to allow for an elevated presentation of cards held at the back edge of the base 20, thereby further improving the visibility of objects. Additionally or alternatively, the angles of one or both sides of the slot may vary from slot to slot within a row and/or within the overall matrix, once again with an eye toward creating a varied visual presentation.

Some or all of the slots 22 may have one or more inner-facing protrusions 24, designed and positioned to engage items inserted into the slot and hold those items in an upright or near-vertical position for display purposes. Ideally, the slots 22 and/or protrusions cooperate to hold a plurality of items in a parallel and near-vertical orientation, with a presentation angle of 5° for the held card, badge, or object being preferred. Alternatively, the protrusions 24 on one or both sides of the V-shaped slot 22 may be aligned parallel to the side(s) on which it is formed, or the protrusions may angle away from or diminish into the side(s) so as to be aligned parallel at cooperating or offset angles to protrusions formed on the opposing side, thereby creating the final presentation angle.

As best seen in FIG. 4A, the protrusions 24 formed on opposing side walls of the V-shaped slot may be spaced apart at adjacent or staggered intervals. Particularly to the extent the slope of the sidewalls differs, the protrusions on one wall may be larger/more prominent than those on the opposing wall. Also, to the extent an offset arrangement is provided (as shown by the three protrusions on the inner region I), these protrusions may engage card or objects of a different length than standard sized cards fitted into the pair of adjacent protrusions on the outer edges of each slot 22.

The bottom facing of the base 20 is flat and substantially parallel to the horizon. Further, around its peripheral edges, a series of downward projecting walls provides sufficient elevation to accommodate the depth of the deepest slot, while simultaneously ensuring the base 20 rests firmly, preferably in flat orientation relative to the horizontal surface. In some embodiments, the height of the sidewalls are all similar, so as to define a bottom surface that is parallel the top surface. Alternatively, the top surface may have a slightly curved surface from front-to-back and/or from one side edge to the other side edge. The length LB may be between 14 and 18 inches, with 16.4 inches being preferred. The height HB may be between 0.25 and 1.25 inches, with 0.70 inches being preferred.

A peripheral flange 26 may be formed around the outer edge of the base unit 20. Flange 26 is shaped to receive a corresponding integral engagement member located on the lid unit 30, as will be described more completely below. The flange 26 and underside of the base unit 20 are substantially flat so as to stabilize the display unit 10 for display on flat surfaces, as well as enable the stacking and easy transportation of a number of a plurality of display units 10. Thumb or grasping cutaways may be provided proximate to the flange 26 to allow for users to more easily separate the base 20 from the lid 30. Support ribs or grooves (not shown) may also be provided along the bottom, top, and/or sides of the base unit 20. The nominal width FW of the flange may be between 0.10 and 0.40 inches, with 0.25 inches being preferred.

FIG. 4C shows an alternative structure for base 20B in which structural support ribs 25 are interspersed with the matrix of slots 22. Ribs 25 may be provided at regular intervals and run parallel to the slots along the length or width of the base 20. Additionally or alternatively, the ribs 25 could be oriented orthogonally between matrix columns (i.e., the vertical orientation of the slots as seen in FIG. 4C). In one embodiment, the number of ribs is no more than one third the number of rows (i.e., the horizontal orientation of the slots as seen in FIG. 4C). The ribs 25 may be indented and include protrusions (not visible in FIG. 4C) to effectively serve as object-holding slots within the matrix. In some embodiments where the slots 22 and ribs 25 (if present) are parallel as seen in FIG. 5B, these slots 22 and ribs 25 are preferably oriented orthogonally relative to any ribs provided on the top of the cover 30, so as to provide a stable cross-base when the unit 10 is assembled (i.e., the base 20 and cover 30 are engaged), although the same holds true even if ribs 25 are not provided as seen in FIG. 1.

As seen in FIGS. 1, 3, and 5A, cover or lid unit 30 possesses a similar shape in comparison to the base unit, preferably rectangular in nature. The cover 30 includes a plurality of side walls 32 with terminal ends including corresponding engagement member(s) that may snap-fit onto the base unit 20, preferably along one or more portions of the peripheral flange 26. In fact, the terminal ends may form a partial or fully continuous flange LF on the cover that cooperates and/or engages with flange 26. Optional indents LI can be formed along the top of the cover 30, preferably proximate to the corner(s) at a vertical depth of between 0.40 and 0.90 inches, with 0.72 inches being preferred.

The width of flange LF cooperates with and is equal to or less than FW, with the preferred width LF being 0.19 inches. In turn, the length of the lid LL corresponds to that of the base LB, with 16.388 inches preferred. Finally, the height of the lid LH should accommodate the objects carried within the slots. Height LH may be between 2 and 6 inches, with 3.99 inches preferred.

The opposing ends of side walls 32 (i.e., the portions distal to the base unit 20 when the base 20 and lid 30 are attached) are integrally formed onto (or otherwise attached to) a top surface 34 of the cover 30. The top 34 may possess the same shape as the base 20, with grooves, ribs, and/or indentions 36 to provide both strength, possible points of engagement in the event multiple display units 10 were stacked one on top of the other, and/or decorative or aesthetic features. One or more carrying handles (not shown) may be provided to the top 34, although provision of such handles should coincide with sufficient engagement members or separate closure or locking devices to ensure that the base unit 20 and lid unit 30 do not inadvertently and/or unwantedly become separated. Any corners formed by the side walls 32 may also incorporate similar grooves, ribs, and/or indentations 36. As above, the portions of the side walls 32 engaging the base unit 20 may also have thumb or grasping cutaways (not shown).

FIG. 5B shows an alternative embodiment of the cover 30B in which additional indentations are provided for enhanced strength. As with cover 30, cover 30B includes support a plurality of support ribs 36A, 36B. These ribs are subdivided into sets having similar size and shape but that are offset from one another, with ribs 36A being spaced apart from the bottom flange LF while ribs 36B may be integrated with or adjacent to flange LF. While only shown on the two opposing, narrow edges in FIG. 5B, it is understood this approach can be taken along any or all of the side walls 32, as well as at the corners/edges. Also, only one set of ribs 36A or 36B would run along all or substantially all of the cover height LH, and it is possible for both sets to be less than that full height.

Ideally, the ribs 36A and 36B are spaced apart at regular intervals, and the overall set form by ribs 36A and 36B are also arranged in a regular and preferably evenly distributed and/or symmetrical manner (relative to the side wall on which they are located). The sets can have the same or differing numbers of ribs 36A, 36B relative to each set. Notably, the offset of the sets of ribs provides particular utility both for engagement and support. The ribs 36A, 36B may have a ellipse-like or parabolic U-shape with a curving indentation relative to the planar surface formed by the side wall 32. Additionally or alternatively, all or portions of the ribs may define a more traditional straight edged line or polygon. Oscillating or irregular curves may also be provided. The individual shape of the ribs 36A, 36B may vary, even within the set of ribs, so long as the entirety of the ribs 36A, 36B cooperate with the other indentations and flanges forming part of the unit 10 to achieve the functions described and contemplated herein.

When the cover 30B is engaged with the base 20, as shown in the top right hand aspect of FIG. 5B, it functions the same as the other covers 30 described and depicted herein. Further, because the flanges 26, LF are designed to engage securely, the added support provided by the indentations 36A, 36B enable more secure stacking as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B below.

The cover 30 to the base 20 may be disengaged to allow for the cover to be discarded when the unit 10C when it is placed in its final display orientation, as shown in FIG. 7B. Alternatively, the base 20 may nest or fit on the top 34 of the cover 30 (i.e., the cover 30 is place on the horizontal surface with the base 20 being placed on the cover 30 of a separate unit, as seen with units 10 and 10A in FIG. 7A, so as to provide more compact storage of multiple units. As seen with unit 10B, the base 20 of unit 10B may attach to its own cover 30 (again when laid flat beneath it) to serve as an elevated display for the unit 10B. In some embodiments, the indentations or other structures formed on the cover 30 (or 30B) engage the flange 26, possibly along its underside, in order to make a more secure nested or even snap-fitted connection. Also, FIGS. 6 and 7A show arrangements that are particularly suitable to transporting one or more display units 10 after they have been loaded with cards or other objects arranged in a matrix and provided in various angles for storage and display.

The support ribs 36 should be evenly distributed along the surfaces on which they are formed. These ribs 36 ensure that the cover 30 retains its structural integrity. Similar ribs can be formed on the base unit 20 for a similar purpose. The ribs 36, indents LI, and/or flanges 26, LF can all cooperate in a snap-fitted or nesting manner to secure the components of the unit 10 together. Further, when the base unit 20 is opened for display of the objects carried in its slots 22, the unit 20 may rest, nest, or engage the cover 30 to create an elevated display. In this manner, a plurality of units 10 can be aligned side-by-side to create a stadium-viewing effect.

Note that the height of the sidewalls 32 should be sufficient to accommodate and, more specifically, enclose the cards, badges, objects, etc. held on the interior of the base 20 when the cover 30 is fitted thereon. In this manner, the display unit 10 may be loaded with objects, transported, and set up for display by simply removing the cover 30. Further, the protrusions 24 create sufficient friction and/or have sufficiently narrow spacing so as to hold the objects even if the base is tipped or even completely inverted.

In addition to the described structures, handle-like indents may be formed on the base 20 and corresponding cover. Further, posts or grooves to facilitate stacking of a plurality of similar items in their unassembled state (e.g., a plurality of bases) could be employed.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative arrangement for unit 10. Here, the slots are provided in a “portrait” orientation (relative to the rectangular base), in contrast to the “landscape” orientation shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4. Other arrangements for the slots are possible, and the slots need not all be provided in a parallel manner, although for base units having right angles, the parallel orientation of slots is most likely to use the available volume of the unit 10 efficiently.

Other structures and features may be discerned from the attached drawings. By way of example rather than limitation, these features may include dimensions and relative proportions and/or ratios of the various components. In the same manner, certain ornamental features may augment the utilitarian functions of the disclosure.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the present invention is not to be limited to just the embodiments disclosed, but that the invention described herein is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the scope of the claims hereafter. The features of each embodiment described and shown herein may be combined with the features of the other embodiments described herein. The claims as follows are intended to include all modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the claims or the equivalent thereof. 

What is claimed:
 1. A storage and display unit comprising: a base unit having a plurality of support walls supporting an elevated, top surface with a plurality of slots integrally formed thereon, each slot having a pair of side walls forming a V-shaped indentation, and a cover that removably fits over the base unit.
 2. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the cover is detachable from the display unit.
 3. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the cover is selectively snap-fitted along its bottom edge to the base unit to encase any objects held within any of the slots.
 4. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the cover is selectively snap-fitted along its top edge to the base unit to hold the base unit in an elevated, display position.
 5. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein each slot includes a plurality of protrusions formed on one or both side walls.
 6. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the support walls define an elevated height for the top surface and wherein each V-shaped indentation has a depth that is less than the elevated height.
 7. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein all of the side walls in each V-shaped indentation form an angle, measured relative to an axis orthogonal to the top surface, that is between 0 and 30 degrees.
 8. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the protrusions are parallel to the angle.
 9. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein all of the side walls are formed at the same angle.
 10. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the angle is 5 degrees.
 11. A storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of slots are arranged in a regular matrix.
 12. A transportable arrangement comprising a plurality of storage and display units according to claim 1 wherein the base unit of a first storage and display unit is fitted onto the cover of a second storage and display unit.
 13. A display arrangement comprising at least one storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein the cover of a first storage and display unit is removed and positioned under the base unit of the first storage and display unit in an engaged manner.
 14. The display arrangement of claim 13 further comprising a second storage and display unit wherein the cover of a second storage and display unit is removed and the second storage and display unit is positioned adjacent to the first storage and display unit to create a stadium-style display.
 15. The storage and display unit according to claim 1 wherein at least one support rib is formed in the base unit and/or the cover.
 16. The storage and display unit according to claim 15 wherein separate support ribs are formed in both the base unit and in a top surface of the cover and wherein the support ribs of the base unit are oriented orthogonally to the support ribs formed in the cover.
 17. The storage and display unit according to claim 15 wherein a plurality of support ribs are formed in the cover along a pair of opposing side walls.
 18. The storage and display unit according to claim 17 wherein the plurality of support ribs include two offsetting sets of ribs.
 19. The storage and display unit according to claim 17 wherein one of the sets of ribs is spaced apart from a bottom edge of the cover.
 20. The storage and display unit according to claim 17 wherein at least one of the support ribs has a parabola U-shape. 